Makrochori: Traditions, Festivals and Road Race

If you are considering Makrochori as a travel destination, local festivities and sporting events can help you get your bearings. Specific examples from 2018 and 2026 range from a Rougatsia procession and a Gou Rounochará to a kite festival and a road race. The events differ considerably: one procession passed through streets and lanes, one festival took place in the square of the old Heróon, and the 2026 examples include both kite flying and a road race route. The two Christmas events took place in December, while the kite festival was held on Clean Monday.

Rougatsia and Gou Rounochará at Christmas

On December 25, 2018, the Rougatsia procession began at 9 a.m. at the Church of Timios Prodromos in Makrochori. After receiving the blessing of the parish priest, the participants made their way through the streets and lanes to the sound of the zurna. They offered wishes for a happy new year, good health and a good harvest. In this example, the focus is on making the journey together through the village.

The following day, December 26, 2018, the Gou Rounochará took place in the square of the old Heróon in Makrochori. The festival featured plenty of wine, pork cooked in a pan and music played by a traditional orchestra. Unlike the Rougatsia procession, this event has a specific meeting place. The two consecutive Christmas dates thus show different ways of coming together: a procession through the streets and a celebration in a square.

Kite festival and road race in 2026

The fourth kite festival of the Pontian Association of Makrochori was held in 2026 in the local recreation park. It combined the traditional Koulouma celebration on Clean Monday with kite flying and music. Families, groups of friends and children took part; the festival was intended for all age groups. As a travel interest, this community celebration is clearly distinct from the sporting nature of the road race.

The 8th Dromos 21 Mathiton took place on March 29, 2026. It is a 10.7 km road race on a paved course with no major elevation changes. The start and finish were on Vasileos Georgiou Street. From there, the route followed several streets to Diavató, passed through the village of Mési and returned to Makrochori. Unlike the kite festival, the race can be described in terms of its course characteristics and a named route. Distance, surface and elevation profile are practical details for personal planning; the route also names places along the way back to Makrochori.

Choosing a travel occasion when looking for hotels

The examples differ in event type and year. If an event date is important for your trip, check the details for the relevant edition in advance.

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For the broader travel overview: Imathia.